Lesley Joseph throws off her TV wings to become pure theatre animal

What appealed you about starring in the touring production of Hot Flush!?

I’ve done it twice before, and I just couldn’t resist doing it again. It has gone down so well with audiences.

It’s the only show I’ve ever done where on the first night we overran by 15 minutes because there were so many laughs. Of course, that could have just been me overplaying it!

It’s a hybrid show – it’s got music, drama, stand-up and revue. But the main thing is that it’s very, very funny.

Why do you think audiences respond so well to this show?

It strikes a chord because it’s about menopausal women, and a lot of women identify with that.

The Vagina Monologues started a trend for bringing in an audience who might not have been to the theatre before and Hot Flush! is merely continuing that.

Its sense of humour is very near the knuckle and that really appeals. It’s part of a genre of theatre that connects with hormonal housewives and hen parties. They are people who want to leave their troubles behind and come out for a real laugh.

You play a character called Myra – describe her.

Myra is middle-aged and frustrated. Her husband has gone off with a bimbo, and so, like a lot of women her age, she’s trying to find a new life for herself. She’s wisecracking, but also vulnerable.

You have to let the audience see different layers to a character. Myra is in this gang of four women who are going through everything together. By the end, you see them singing and dancing together. All the characters have a degree of pathos. It’s not a facile show – it’s aimed at making people laugh and think at the same time.

What do you think the characters learn during the course of Hot Flush!?

Myra learns to be herself and that she is worth something. She’s not just defined by a man. It’s a tremendous journey that all of the characters go through. The show demonstrates the strength they all have when they’re together.

How do you find the musical part of Hot Flush!?

I’ve loved it. I may not be the greatest singer in the world, but I can sell a song.

I’ve previously starred in The Boyfriend and Thoroughly Modern Millie, so I know my way round a musical.

I also job shared the role of Miss Hannigan with Paul O’Grady for two and a half years in a production of Annie. It was brilliant to dip in and out of it.

Which part of the show do you enjoy most?

There’s a section in the middle which feels almost like stand-up. I talk to the audience and pick on someone in the front row. I would never want to be a straight stand-up, but I love doing it within the parameters of the show.

You obviously have a real love of theatre?

Absolutely. I’m a theatre girl – I grew up loving it. I love standing in the wings waiting to go on and seeing the scenery change.

I used to do very serious, kosher acting, but then I went down the comedy route. That’s top of the tree for me now.

I just love working with an audience. I’m a pure theatre animal.

You’ve recently returned to our TV screens on ITV1 as Dorien in Birds of a Feather. Did you have any doubts about reviving her?

There will always be people who say, “For God’s sake, why did you bring it back?” You’ll always have lovers and haters.

But you can’t spend your life worrying about what other people think. All I know is that every day I walk down the street and someone stops me to say, “Thank you for making me laugh”.

Do you feel you have been typecast as Dorien?

I suppose to an extent I have been, but I don’t mind at all because she’s opened so many doors for me. Thanks to her, I have been able to really diversify.

I did a BBC Radio London show for two and a half years interviewing everyone from comedians to Cabinet Ministers.

I’ve also travelled the world presenting Wish You Were Here. A lot of people say the older you get, the harder work gets, but touch wood, it’s been very good for me because I have ducked and dived. If you only do one thing, it’s more difficult.

Who are you most like in real life, Dorien or Myra?

I’m not like either. I haven’t got any thing in common with them – apart from my age!

Finally, will men feel excluded if they come to see Hot Flush!?

Not at all. There is a very funny moment where Myra goes speed-dating. One actor plays all the men, and he ends up wearing a leather pouch and a mask. At that point, the audience goes berserk, and the roof comes off the theatre. That sums up the evening!

• Hot Flush! Is at the Wyvern Theatre on May 12 & 13. Tickets are £22 from swindontheatres.co.uk